Stylish, edgy and fabulous food.

Crown Shy is the new kid on the FiDi block, located in an 87 year-old landmarked Art Deco upscale apartment building on a quiet, narrow downtown street.

We arrived at precisely 4:45pm for the bar opening.

The restaurant’s ingenious location, situated close to Wall Street, emanates the scent of money without the high price point.

I decided to try Crown Shy on a Saturday, figuring that Wall Street sleeps on the weekend as I always aim to avoid the rush.

I love the interior…sleek, clean lines with high soaring ceilings, huge windows and room for 120 diners.

Despite the elegance, the international inspired menu is reasonably priced.

The a la carte menu is split up into sections of small dishes, vegetables, grains and mains.

The Crown Shy moniker is unique, referring to how mature forest trees don’t quite touch branches at the top, creating a featured looking canopy…similiar to how one feels when stepping outside and looking up at the tall buildings grouped together in the Financial District’s concrete jungle.

We settled in at the bar and were happily the first patrons.

I loved the bar top aesthetic. It is the saddle granite that I have in my Los Angeles kitchen.

Before imbibing, I roamed the room in order to snap some photos without human interference.

A server approached.

I thought I had stepped over the red line.

No, it was Jared, the engaging restaurant professional who I had sat next to at Oxomoco in Brooklyn a few months ago.

He had mentioned he was working on a new project and voila, here he was at Crown Shy.

We checked out the massive kitchen which was buzzing.

He introduced us to Chelsea who was helming the bar and we became fast friends.

I kicked the evening off with Hangar One ($13) on the ‘rock’ with noteworthy olives. David went for his favorite Manhattan ($15).

After garnering recommendations from Chelsea and Jared we chose the White Bean Hummus with Puffed Bread minus the Nduja. It was seriously the best hummus. I often find hummus has a bite…this was smooth and delicious ($12).

The server brought over a lovely loaf of warm Olive Bread with a yogurt dip.

We were sent over a delectable edible gift of Gruyere Fritters ($13).

Next was an outstanding Jicama Salad with peas and pecorino which was fresh and incredibly tasty ($14).

Soon after the Red Snapper Crudo appeared with a Sesame Tuile and it was exceptional ($16).

The Charred Carrots with Razor Clam and lemon thyme was outrageous…unique, fresh and exquisitely prepared ($14).

Our final dish was the Charred Octopus and ramps. We requested the chorizo on the side. The octopus was perfectly prepared ($23).

We passed on the mains which include Branzino ($29), rilled Pork Chop ($35), Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken ($29) and Roasted Short Rib for Two ($59).

We were talked into a dessert which was outrageous…Sticky Toffee Pudding with amazing sorbet executed by pastry chef Renata Ameni, former executive chef at three-Michelin starred California restaurant, Manresa ($18).

Sitting next to us at the bar was a charming couple out on Saturday date night.

Turns out he is with D’Artagnan, the premiere meat, game, duck and poultry purveyor for both Crown Shy and last week’s restaurant, Au Cheval, to mention just a few.

Crown Shy is the first solo effort from Eleven Madison Park’s second-in-command and opening Executive chef at the NoMad, Chef James Kent and Jeff Katz, former managing director at Del Posto.

Crown Shy is a marvelous addition to the NYC dining scene.

Even the bathroom is beautiful.

The restaurant is elegant without being stuffy, serving first-rate, creative food.

Crown Shy has it all going on…invest an evening in this stunner and you will receive immediate returns.

Crown Shy 70 Pine Street in the Financial District New York City. Bar opens 4:45 and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday 4:45-1am. Thursday-Saturday 4:45-2am. The dining room serves Sunday-Wednesday 5:30-10pm, Thursday- Saturday 5:30-11pm.